Many may not realize this, but with the introduction of the 2019 Lincoln Aviator at the 2018 New York International Auto Show we are getting our first look at an all-new platform from FoMoCo. At first glance this news might not seem like much to be concerned with. However, if you’re a fan of performance you might want to take note. “Why,” you may ask? Well it’s really quite simple. The Aviator’s underpinnings represent the first time Ford has designed and produced a RWD Uni-Body SUV chassis in the US.

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I don’t want to get too excited here, but this could represent a seismic shift in design philosophy inside the Blue Oval. Since 2010 Ford has served us a nearly unending procession of new FWD based SUVs. I may be dating myself a bit here, but in my day real SUVs primarily sent their power wheels like God intended. That’s the way Dad did, that’s the way America did it, and it used to work out pretty well. That is until the soccer moms and EPA had to go sticking their noses into our good time.

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In the name of road manners, fuel economy, packaging, platform sharing new True-SUVs from Ford have been essentially nonexistent. The one bright light has been the new Expedition/Navigator. Those full-size twins have been selling at a record pace, and Ford has taken notice. While the Aviator is going to be the first launch on this platform, it certainly won’t be the last. You are undoubtedly looking at the makings of the next-generation Ford Explorer. But wait, there’s more.

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What if one of the new products that are coming up based on the U611 is the replacement for the Taurus (which shares a base with the current Explorer and MKWhatever)? What if that new Taurus felt more like a modern take on a Crown Victoria (the last RWD Ford sedan sold in the US)? What if it’s the basis for a new Lincoln Town Car? More importantly, what if it is the long awaited base for a true “Hot-Rod Lincoln”? Could a V8 fit between the frame rails?

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Most importantly of all, are we seeing a new design philosophy truly taking hold within Ford. From the products we know that are coming down the pike (Bronco, GT500, Mach 1) and the relaxing of regulatory mandated fuel efficiency standards; we may be seeing yet another shift in the Ford Universe. On with an eye towards performance. One which we can all get behind, I, for one am looking forward to what the future will bring. I hope you are too. In any event, SVTP will be here to make sure you are kept up-to-date on all the latest happenings. Until then, keep it between the ditches, and I’ll see you when the future gets here.

The new Navigator and Expedition are amazing! Been rocking a new Expedition Limited for a few days and it is easily one of the best on the market. Spent some time in the Navigator also and it certainly lives up to the hype. Can't wait to drive the new Aviator as I am sure it will be top notch as well.

That is a winner! I like your thoughts on a new iteration of the Taurus too. I'm still rocking a 2010 SHO and its sad the platform never got any major updates aside from a facelift in 2013, that is debatably "better", and then discontinued.

Exciting news! I love the exterior of this Aviator, and love the interior, too. Well, the front seats, console and dash. The rear looks a bit odd to me, compared to the front. Overall, a gorgeous big SUV. One can only hope that a near future Edge will see some of the goodies we're seeing here.